How Martial Arts Helps Your Child Build Character

There are countless ways humans develop and build character throughout our lives. This can happen naturally, but there are also measures you can take to enhance the process. We are proud to provide such an option here at Chan’s Martial Arts. When your child signs up for lessons with us, he or she will cultivate positive character attributes like confidence, respect, and self-discipline.

Now, those attributes may be the end result, but let’s take a look at how exactly martial arts can help your child build character.

Starting at the beginning of the journey, it can be a simply awe-inspiring experience when a child walks in and sees what advanced martial arts students and masters are able to do. In that moment, this child may not realize he or she has the potential to do the same thing! Of course, it is not easy to master these skills – it takes time, dedication, and hard work (all essential building blocks for character development).

From day one of a student’s training, respect is quickly established via the “student/sensei” relationship. More than that, a child will learn respect for his or her fellow students. Unlike with other activities, a class performs the same lesson with each other. Everyone is working hard during the same practice, which builds a true sense of camaraderie within the class. This respect for others then extends beyond martial arts practice and into other areas of life (school, home, etc.).

As a child progresses during his or her training, it will require a tremendous amount of work and dedication. Of course, with every advancing belt level, a child sees that hard work pays off! This establishes a sense of accomplishment and confidence that will last a lifetime.

The belt system in martial arts is important for recognizing hard work and achievement, but it does something else – it gives students goals. Setting goals is an important part of life in many areas, and especially when it comes to school and (eventually) work. By signing your child up for lessons at Chan’s Martial Arts, you are setting him or her up for success throughout life.

Patience is another character your child will develop during his or her lessons. This makes sense, since martial arts training is the true embodiment of “practice makes perfect.” In a class, a student may execute a single movement, or series of related movements, hundreds of times. This teaches the student that the progress always happens during small, incremental improvements in technique, and stamina, flexibility, and power all come through endless repetition.

Respect, hard work, confidence, and patience are all pillars of character that are established and honed during martial arts training. If you want your child to be able to reach his or her potential, contact Chan’s Martial Arts today. Give us a call at (616) 796-3280 to start your son or daughter’s journey of self-development.